Which may sound a little harsh, however this is exactly what goes through the mind of a new listener to your podcast (or even a returning listener) when they press play.

And, if you haven’t confirmed the value, or a reason ‘why’ they should continue to listen, and ‘what’s in it for them’, you’ve probably lost their interest and attention, they’ve pressed stop, and moved on to the next podcast.

You see, a podcast WITHOUT purpose – is just noise.

A Podcast WITHOUT Purpose – is just NOISE! – Annemarie Cross, The Podcasting Queen

When I say ‘purpose’, I’m speaking about a number of different things, which I cover in my Podcasting With Purpose Free Mini-Training, however for the purpose of this article I’ll summarise into three main areas:

Context

Content

Call To Action

Podcasting With Purpose: Context

Let’s have a look at some of the factors you’ll need to consider when looking at ‘Context’:

Is your show relevant to your ideal client and what your ideal client is interested in learning more about?

What authority do you (or your guest) have in your industry? Why should your ideal client listen to you/your guest?

What information will you (or your guest) share that provides valuable insights specific to your ideal client’s needs and desires?

Podcasting With Purpose: Content

Let’s have a look at some of the factors to consider when looking at ‘Content’:

What are you speaking about that’s different from everyone else in your industry?

Is there something you’ve uncovered that no-one else is doing, which is generating better results for you and your clients

Can you validate the information you’re sharing with case studies and examples? How to’s?

Podcasting With Purpose: Call To Action

Some of the factors to consider when looking at ‘Call To Action’:

What action do you want listeners to take once they’ve finished listening to the episode?

Are you providing such valuable content during the show that when you share your ‘Call to Action’ (such as a free report/checklist, or other relevant tool) listeners are rushing to give you their contact details so they can access it?

Are you also providing context to your ‘Call to Action’ so it flows naturally as part of the conversation? Or, does it sound more like an infomercial?

Each of these three factors: Context, Content and Call To Action are important when you are planning your podcast and will ensure you not only grab the attention of YOUR ideal client, however maintain their attention throughout your podcast, and compel them to take advantage of the Call to Action you share at the end of your show.